Vince Dimanno asked 2 years ago
Hi All,
I'm wondering if anyone has come across way, or if Formidable has it in their development track, to develop a method by which a user can import a file on the front-end?
Ideally, I'd like the user to be able to map fields just like the import function that exists in the admin area. However, I'd like to be able to force a specific form on the user. The process is simple...login to front-end editor, upload file, map fields, and import.
I am thinking about writing this myself except I would then need to maintain it right along with all Formidable upgrades and I don't relish that idea. Can anyone think of a way this can be done? Plugin? Or is it in the Formidable development plan?
Thank you!
Victor Font Staff answered 2 years ago
Front end import doesn't exist. You'll need to write something yourself. I wouldn't worry about Formidable updates. You'll probably be importing directly to the database and bypassing everything that Formidable provides. Even if you are able to use Formidable hooks, hooks don't change.
This shortcode could serve as a starting point writing your own. It displays Formidable Form fields on the front end. I designed this as a developers tool to help create meaningfully named key values in bulk for forms and fields. You can grab the code that creates the shortcode and displays the form fields. You'll have to figure out the CSV part and field matching yourself. You may also be able to leverage Formidable's CSV import class in your code. From my experience, building a tool like this will probably take 8 to 10 hours. Using my shortcode developer's tool, you can cut the time down. The shortcode is not free, though. If you want to use it, you'll need purchase it for $19 USD. Here's the link: https://formidable-masterminds.com/downloads/display-edit-forms-and-fields/
Vince Dimanno answered 2 years ago
Thanks Victor!
I'm happy to pay a few bucks for the helping hand your code offers. If practical, I will try and make the process of front end editing an Add-On. I appreciate you taking the time answer.
Have a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year!
If you do end up making an add-on, you can sell it in your own storefront on Formidable Masterminds.
Steven C
replied 2 years ago @Vince Dimanno I am also looking for front-end importing. Did you manage to come up with or find any solution?
Vince Dimanno
replied 2 years ago Hi Steven. I have not made this yet. I'm building for clients and so this will be a side project at some point. For the purposes of this client, I came up with a work-around. I hope to get to it in the next couple of months. There is an ongoing need for it and I think it should actually be part of the Formidable Forms core. I sent a note to support to request it in their dev track. In my mind, the coding is already done as the functionality exists on the back end. The only added function would be to force a specific form on the front-end user as the import destination. Conceptually, it sounds simple, however, I will need to get into it before I can tell exactly how big a job it will be. If I get the time to make progress, I will post about it here. Thanks!
Steven C
replied 2 years ago Also taking the route of building a workaround. Importing directly from an excel spreadsheet. Initially I assessed that it could be achieved solely using JavaScript and the API however that route looks messy going forward. Now attempting it via js and php but progress is slow as a non-php user as far as creating entries
Walter Jones answered 2 years ago
Hey everyone I have developed such a thing, and although it isn't free, a one-time purchase will allow you the use of the functionality on any of your sites. Feel free to check it out: https://joneswebdesigns.com/front-end-csv-upload-for-formidable-forms/ It works for me, so I figured I would provide it for the communities consumption.@Vince Dimanno
Vince Dimanno
replied 2 years ago Awesome Walter! Thank you for taking this on and sharing it. I will purchase and implement it and provide feedback as I go forward. Cheers!
Nice Walter! I'll give you $312.47 if you expand it to import into repeaters.
Walter Jones
replied 2 years ago <p>But Rob I hate repeaters :). I’m already working on it. As they say…please stand by.</p>
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Rob LeVine